Destyni “Desi” Swoope (1998) born to a Puerto Rican- American mother
and a Bahamian, African-American father, was raised in Port St. Lucie,
Florida. As a child with artistic inclinations, she found solace in creating,
though the absence of prominent examples left her uncertain of the
possibilities in the arts. Wrestling with identity while navigating a path for
herself, Desi's aspirations in the realm of art felt unattainable. The
craftsmanship of her grandmother, a master of various artistic disciplines
like sewing, painting, and building, ignited Desi’s creative spark. This
familial influence laid foundation for Desi's eventual pursuit of a career in
fine arts, as well as the longing to preserve heritage and culture. In 2017,
Desi embarked on a journey by cultivating a technique that serves as a
personal language of expression.

Through lively narratives, portraits, and
vibrant landscapes, Desi's art has emerged as a powerful vehicle for her
voice. Currently residing in Miami, Florida, Desi is focusing on themes of
heritage, culture, and the preservation of deeply rooted aspects within the
diaspora, she is forging a path for herself and others who share similar
narratives of passionately understanding and affirming identity . The goal
of the work is to tell stories that encapsulate the essence of Afro-Latinx
and Caribbean descent. Desi’s work fosters dialogue through her
compelling use of mix media and textile choices.